MADRID: Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti insisted his side are still very much in the La Liga title race as they moved back to within five points of leaders Barcelona and Atletico Madrid with a 3-2 win away to Valencia on Sunday.
Valencia put up a strong fight as they levelled twice through Pablo Piatti and Jeremy Mathieu to cancel out efforts from Angel di Maria and Cristiano Ronaldo.
However, Jese Rodriguez struck the all-important winner 10 minutes from time to keep Madrid within sight of the leaders.
“I am satisfied with how the first-half of the season has gone and I am very excited for 2014,” said Ancelotti. “The team has character, quality and fights until the end.
“At the moment the table speaks for itself. Barca and Atletico are doing very well and have a five-point lead, but I am very excited for the second part of the season. It could be a very good year for Real Madrid.”
Pedro happy to help team finish top
Barcelona forward Pedro Rodriguez was happy with his performance, one which ensured that the team finished 2013 on top of the league. His eight-minute hat-trick helped them come from 2-0 down to win 5-2 at Getafe on Sunday.
The hosts had got off to a flying start as goals from Sergio Escudero and Lisandro Lopez put them 2-0 up inside 14 minutes.
However, the Catalans responded like champions as Pedro scored three times in quick succession before the break.
Cesc Fabregas gave Barca breathing space when he volleyed home Pedro’s cross 22 minutes from time and then doubled his tally from the penalty spot moments later.
“I am just happy for the victory,” said Pedro, who overtook Lionel Messi and Alexis Sanchez to become Barca’s top scorer in La Liga with 10. “We didn’t start how we would have hoped, but we turned the game around which is the most important thing.”
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